Farewell MJ

Nina Alter wrote...
Thank you for your brilliant & sensitive documentation of the Neverland compound. Really a fascinating sociological study far beyond the Graceland stories or legal troubles. Loneliness, on steroids. An incredible archive for generations to come- and hopefully it just might contribute to making that connection in folks, that young talented stars just have to be treated differently... and that young-adult stars, need to be reigned-in and not laughed at in the tabloids. Such talent, so sad. I didn't think it was possible to eclipse Howard Hughes, but on the opposite end of the flamboyance scale, I think he just may have. Somewhere between HH and Phil Spector. Sad.

Jonathan Haeber wrote...
Thank you! Looking back, it was quite a privilege and I'm glad to have shared the experience. Great point about the trappings of celebrity. I wonder why so many strive to achieve it!?

danielwright8 wrote...
I hope he finds the peace in death that he was looking for in life.

pretty_poison03 wrote...
I am so, so grateful to God for sharing with us, through Michael, the gift of Music. This man was simply different, and people couldn't handle that. It still hurts to know that he will never come back, but, at least he will have his peace that he always longed for. No more dealing with the public, no more humiliation, no more rumors, no more. I'm grateful, that even I, age 23, was able to discover who he was at the age of 4, and experience music at it's best. It's never too late to discover Michael Jackson. His legacy will live on forever, and there will never be another. Aaliyah was One In A Million, but Michael Jackson is One And No More to Come. Truth. God Rest his Dear Soul.

ajwdesigner wrote...
Hey Jonathan, I absolutely admire your bravery, first of all... I wouldn't have had the balls to keep going past those bushes... but I guess once you get past those first initial steps there's no turning back. I also strongly find your work and perspective to be very unique, it's images like yours that make the subject more memorable than one could imagine. Don't you just love the feeling that you are only among the very few to have been or seen what you have? I'm curious... did you ever have the urge to continue [in]to the residence (to approach it closer)? I see that you got pretty close... how much did you explore the main residence? I think I've just become a big fan of your work, and most importantly enjoying your stories... as I find them very exciting (I put myself in your shoes), capturing the moment visually and mentally is a fascinating concept, e.g. the Pac Bell 'post'... Great stuff! Looking forward to more!! Wonder if you've ever been approached to do something more "commercial" or "mainstream". I can envision you having a tv show on the "Discovery Channel" or something? P.S. Are you an MJ fan after your experience at Neverland? It seemed that your weren't before? Glad to have witnessed your magic!

dsvilla wrote...
In Memory of Michael Jackson The music world stood still today, In a silence and disbelief, The “King of Pop” had suddenly slipped away, Leaving hearts with unbearable grief. Michael you left us too early, It was too soon for you to go, But up in the heavens the call was heard, And it was your time we know. We’ll all remember where we were, On the day when He called your name. We’ll play your songs in memory, But it will never be the same. You spanned the generations, We all knew your songs. Some of us even tried to moonwalk, Your great memories will linger on. I remember the day I bought your first album, You were special way back then. I remember the store and even what I wore, There will be no one like you again. My children know your music as I did, And my Grandchildren too. We all like the song “Thriller”, It’s our favorite music video too! As the day winds down and the hours have passed, Our hearts remain so broken apart, We sing and reminisce of your magic, With a big huge hole in our hearts. I took a picture with your album today, The Jackson Five I bought in 1969, This part of your legacy I’ve kept all these years. The music still plays all the time. We had to dig through an old picture box Your likeness with your red jacket and white glove was on a cake, My Daughter wanted “Michael Jackson” for her 12th Birthday, That’s something few will have and what a treasure that did make! I can imagine the concert you must be at now, With clouds of angels and heaven your stage. And all the great artists that were waiting for you, This must be a glorious day! The King of Pop meets The King of Rock Elvis, The Godfather of Soul James Brown was there too. The stage was set and the musicians ready, They all had been waiting for you. The receiving line is lengthy, Sammy Davis, Nat King Cole, and Luther were all waiting there, You’re home Son now and they’re ready, You can sing now without a care. Somewhere Over the Rainbow is being sung, The music is oh so grand, You recognize this sweet angel voice, It’s non-other than Judy Garland. As you walk along to greet all those waiting there, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Tyrone Davis, Bo Diddley with his “Lucille”. Outstretched hands from The Godfather of Rock n’ Roll Ike Turner, You know this is a BIG DEAL. Also in the line is Gerald Levert, Wilson Pickett, and Rick James, John Lennon with George Harrison the Beatles are here too, Oscar Peterson, Buddy Miles, The Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, Jimmy Hendrix, Sam “Buzzman” Taylor just to name a few. The Harps are playing the songs from the “Nutcracker” You see Tchaikovsky and Debussy standing there. The Chairman of the Board Frank Sinatra with Dean Martin, Lucinao Pavorotti along side Jerry Garcia and even Fred Astaire. The line goes on for as far as the eye can see, Many more are waiting with the love you’ve been shown. The Heavens stage now awaits your “Moon Walk”. For you now know “You Are Not Alone”! So Michael you are at peace now, You were a “Thriller” like no one else will ever be. You will never be forgotten, For you left us “Too Soon” and all we have left is your memory! And from the clouds echos this voice…and Here’s Michael! Over at the desk is Ed McMahon and Johnny Carson ready for the show! You have been taken from us, But we have to believe you are in a much better place we know. You gave us “Butterflies” and your music will stay forever in our hearts and in our souls! Just hearing all the music you left behind “One Day in Your Life” ….remember when things fall apart and you find that your always lonely, just call my name and I’ll be there! I think ears are hearing and listening to some of your music that wasn’t played as often and saying as I am….Wow! The song “Smile” …..smile through your fears and sorrows, you’ll find that life is still worthwhile if you just smile! You’ll find that life is still worthwhile if you just smile! Your music the arrangements……incredible! I find myself in tears at the beauty and the emotion of some of the songs. It has transcended through all generations and to everyone no matter if you are “Black or White” or brown, red, yellow or any other color. It was music for all the generations that will live always as a part of music history! In the darkest hour in my deepest despair in my turbulence, pain, joy, and sorrow………..I will never let you part for you are always in my heart from “Will You Be There”? Sorrowfully beautiful music for the ages. Like your Father said, if only you were able to see this celebration of your life! That was his wish for you to see all this outpouring of love! If only……if only there are so many if onlys! But, I believe somewhere you are seeing it only without care or pain only joy! May you rest in peace with the Angels! May the Lord watch over you and keep you in his ultimate grace and watch over your family always! Thank you for all the musical treasures you leave us with! You truly had a gift and thank you for sharing that gift of your music with the world! We are the world, we are the children and we all shed a tear for you! Sincerely, A Fan

Monoton01 wrote...
youre neverland explores are awesome....saw them some time ago!

A GM wrote...
This is beautiful! You see the boy sitting in the moon? Its made of Marble and real gold leaf. I own it that exact one, I know there were a couple more or so, but I own that one. My husband did the demolition on it, it was in a perfect circle so the boys feet are cut off, the circle is broken into 4 peices. Its very heavy, but beautiful! I live 40 mins from the NL Ranch and it was one of the most exciting things here on the central coast. I remember as a child he would often come into Santa Maria where I grew up, crusin in the limo with tons of kids, close down Toys R Us and take them shopping and oh how I wished I was one of those kids!! It was really cool to see him walk through our malls and shop around! I Can't believe hes gone!! Beautiful Photos you have!!

The Hamster Factor wrote...
Thanks for your story about how you came to photograph neverland. Your photos give a unique record of the great man, and in time I'm sure they will become more important as a historical record. Very well done.

wrote...
Thank you for all the wonderful story through all the photographs you've taken. I wish I could have travelled to neverland to admire all the artwork and everything else. But now, its all gone. R.I.P. Michael Well done with the photographs.

Jonathon Beauchamp wrote...
Well done on this set. They were moving and respectful. I was invited to Neverland :+)